Changes

The term '''cancer''' refers to many different diseases.  They all have in common uncontrolled ''cell [[proliferation]]'' (growth and division).  Cancers are usually named for the organ or cell type that is originally involved. After beginning at one site, the cancerous cells may ''metastasize'' (spread) to other organs and then continue to grow, causing more damage in the new location as well.  The cancer is still named by its place of origin.

The term '''cancer''' refers to many different [[disease]]s.  They all have in common uncontrolled ''cell [[proliferation]]'' (growth and division).  Cancers are usually named for the [[organ]] or cell type that is originally involved. After beginning at one site, the cancerous cells may ''metastasize'' (spread) to other organs and then continue to grow, causing more damage in the new location as well.  The cancer is still named by its place of origin.

All known carcinogens (cancer-inducing agents), which include various chemicals, viruses, and ionizing radiation, act by breaking chemical bonds to produce [[DNA]] [[mutations]]." [http://www.livescience.com/health/cell-phone-radiation-cancer-100118.html] These mutations occur randomly throughout the genome, and if not repaired by the cell's DNA repair mechanisms, they can impede normal cellular functions. If enough unrepaired mutations occur in genes associated with cell growth, this can cause the cells to grow when they should not.  

 

All known carcinogens (cancer-inducing agents), which include various chemicals, viruses, and ionizing radiation, act by breaking chemical bonds to produce [[Deoxyribonucleic acid|DNA]] [[mutations]].<ref>http://www.livescience.com/health/cell-phone-radiation-cancer-100118.html</ref> These mutations occur randomly throughout the [[genome]], and if not repaired by the cell's DNA repair mechanisms, they can impede normal cellular functions. If enough unrepaired mutations occur in genes associated with cell growth, this can cause the cells to grow when they should not.  

==Types of Cancer==

==Types of Cancer==

[[Image:Cancerxray.jpg|200px|right|thumb|X-Ray of patient with tumor cancer in right lung]]

[[Image:Cancerxray.jpg|200px|right|thumb|X-Ray of patient with cancerous tumor in right lung]]

[[Image:LUNG069.jpg|200px|right|thumb|Lung tumor]]

[[Image:LUNG069.jpg|200px|right|thumb|Lung tumor]]

''Data are for USA''

''Data are for USA''

*[[Breast cancer]]: In women without a family history of breast cancer, mammograms should be done yearly.  Clinical breast exam by a medical professional should also be done yearly. Women who have had abortions are significantly more likely to contract breast cancer.

*[[Breast cancer]]: In women without a family history of breast cancer, mammograms should be done yearly.  Clinical breast exam by a medical professional should also be done yearly. Women who have had abortions are significantly more likely to contract breast cancer.

*[[Lung cancer]]:  There are no currently accepted preventative guidelines

*[[Lung cancer]]:  There are no currently accepted preventative guidelines

*[[Prostate cancer]]: evidence is inconclusive, but most doctors recommend yearly PSA blood test and digital rectal exam

*Prostate cancer: evidence is inconclusive, but most doctors recommend yearly PSA blood test and digital rectal exam

*[[Colon cancer]]: in people without a family history of colon cancer, most sources recommend a colonoscopy at age 50, with further studies based on the results.  Fecal occult blood testing should also be conducted yearly.

*[[Colon cancer]]: in people without a family history of colon cancer, most sources recommend a colonoscopy at age 50, with further studies based on the results.  Fecal occult blood testing should also be conducted yearly.

*[[Cervical cancer]]: yearly Pap smears should be done on all women who have been sexually active and have not had a [[hysterectomy]]. Over age 65, women in monogamous relationships and recent normal Pap smears probably do not need to be screened as frequently.

*[[Cervical cancer]]: yearly Pap smears should be done on all women who have been sexually active and have not had a [[hysterectomy]]. Over age 65, women in monogamous relationships and recent normal Pap smears probably do not need to be screened as frequently.

*[[Testicular cancer]]: the evidence is unclear, however most physicians recommend routine testicular exams in young men.

*[[Testicular cancer]]: the evidence is unclear, however most physicians recommend routine testicular exams in young men.

*[[Skin cancer]]: keep skin protected from sunlight by use of clothing and sunscreen, and watch you skin for new moles, or changes in existing moles.

*[[Skin cancer]]: keep skin protected from sunlight by use of clothing and sunscreen, and watch you skin for new moles, or changes in existing moles.